Obituary

Obituary of James Edward Magee

James Edward Magee, 49, of Union Beach, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

James was born on May 3, 1976, in Red Bank, New Jersey, to Gloria Reilly of Union Beach and Dennis Magee, Sr. of Morganville. He grew up in Union Beach, where he attended Memorial School and later graduated from Keyport High School.

James went on to become a skilled electrician, a profession he truly loved. He was a proud member of the electrical union and worked for many years with Amtrak. He later continued his career with JBS Electrical Contractor in Keyport, New Jersey, where he built not only a strong reputation for his work, but also lasting friendships, including a close bond with the company’s owner, John Smith. James was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need and took great pride in his craft.

Known for his sense of humor, James had a special way of making people laugh and never missed a chance to joke with those around him. He enjoyed traveling, especially his yearly trips to Florida, and loved spending time outdoors, including visiting Pennsylvania.

James is survived by his brothers, Dennis Magee, Jr. and his wife Heidi, and William Magee and his wife Roseann and their son Jay Labruno. He is also survived by his niece, Kacie Magee and her boyfriend Patrick Tremper, along with their children, Coltyn and River. He will be deeply missed by his nephews, Ian and Patrick, as well as his stepchildren, Leo, Kellyann, and Jason Scully.

James will always be remembered for being one-of-a-kind. His kindness, humor, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on everyone he met, and his presence will be deeply missed.

In honoring James’s wishes, he will be cremated and no formal memorial services will be held. Instead, he asked that those who knew him put on any Grateful Dead song and jam out in his memory.